Easton, PA Car Accident Lawyer

Easton, Pennsylvania is located where the Lehigh and Delaware rivers meet roughly 60 miles north of Philadelphia and 70 miles west of New York City. While the rivers were undoubtedly essential for commerce and transportation during earlier periods of development, today commuters and manufacturers rely on cars, vans, pickups, and other passenger vehicles to get from Point A to Point B. Major roads and thoroughfares traveled by those in or passing through Easton includes I-78, PA 33, PA 248, US 22, Corriere Road, Farmersville Road, Stones Crossing Road, Zucksville Road, and Lafayette Street.

While most trips by car are completed safely and uneventfully, in some cases irresponsible or negligent behaviors can result in a vehicular collision. The car accident attorneys of The Reiff Law Firm can fight to obtain compensation for your severe injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

In the aftermath of your collision in Easton, PA, get help from our experienced car accident attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm by calling (215) 709-6940.

Why Do Car Accidents Occur?

There is no single reason or explanation that can capture the causes of all car accidents. In fact, it is rare for any single accident to be product of a sole factor. More commonly a unique combination of circumstances and characteristics come together until a collision is imminent. Common reasons that may act alone or in concert to increase the risk of a car accident include:

Insufficient Vehicle Maintenance

Drivers who do not routinely inspect their vehicle and bring it in for service and maintenance place themselves, their passengers, and other motorists at risk. Lack of proper maintenance can lead to problems with the vehicle’s tires, brakes, engine, shocks, struts, or other essential parts.

Unrepaired Safety Defects

2014 has colloquially been referred to as the “Year of the Auto Recall.” While a record number of vehicles were recalled in 2014, that doesn’t necessarily mean that many or most affected vehicles have been repaired. In fact, for the Takata airbag defect, it is believed that it could take more than a year for parts to be available to repair the airbags in  all vehicles.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a prevalent cause of car accidents in Pennsylvania. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting in-car entertainment systems, drivers who divert their attention from the road significantly increase the risk of collisions. It is crucial for motorists to remain focused on driving to prevent accidents caused by distractions.

Speeding

Excessive speeding is a leading factor in many car accidents. When drivers exceed the posted speed limits, they reduce their ability to react quickly to unexpected situations, increasing the likelihood of crashes. Addressing the issue of speeding is essential to promote safer road conditions and reduce the number of accidents on Pennsylvania roads.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious and dangerous behavior that contributes to numerous accidents. Impaired judgment and delayed reactions make drunk driving a significant threat to road safety. It is imperative for individuals to understand the severe consequences of driving while intoxicated and to make responsible choices to protect themselves and others on the road.

Running Red Lights

Disregarding traffic signals and running red lights poses a significant risk of intersection accidents. Drivers who run red lights endanger themselves and others by creating situations where collisions are likely to occur. Adherence to traffic signals is crucial to prevent accidents at intersections and enhance overall road safety.

Improper Lane Changes

Improper lane changes often result in sideswipe or rear-end collisions. Failing to signal, not checking blind spots, or making abrupt lane changes can lead to accidents. Drivers must exercise caution when changing lanes and follow proper procedures to avoid causing collisions on Pennsylvania highways.

Failure to Yield

Failure to yield the right of way is a common cause of accidents, particularly at intersections and merging lanes. When drivers do not adhere to traffic rules regarding yielding, it can result in dangerous situations and collisions. Understanding and following right-of-way rules is essential to prevent accidents and maintain safe driving practices.

Tailgating

Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is a hazardous driving behavior that often leads to rear-end collisions. Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for allowing sufficient time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions. Educating drivers about the dangers of tailgating is essential to reduce the occurrence of rear-end accidents on Pennsylvania roads.

What Types of Injuries Commonly Follow Collisions?

Accidents involving passenger vehicles like cars, light trucks, SUVs, minivans, and motorcycles can produce a wide range of injuries. As the array of vehicles makes clear, one aspect that determines the nature and severity of injuries are the vehicles involved in the crash. For instance, while a larger vehicle does make for increased momentum due to the vehicle’s increased mass, these vehicles provide greater protection to it occupants relative to a vehicle like a motorcycle or compact car. However, the nature of a larger vehicle also means that it is less responsive and nimble and thus less able to avoid last-second hazards. Aside from the type of vehicle the health and characteristics of the driver and passengers also plays a role in determining the type and severity of injuries that might be inflicted in a crash.  Some common and less common injuries following a car crash include:

• TBIs
• Broken leg
• Cracked ribs
• Lacerations
• Broken or fractured wrist
• Whiplash
• Internal bleeding
• Punctured or collapsed lung
• Lacerations
• Bruising due to blunt trauma
• Spinal injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Herniated disc
• Slipped disc

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it does capture many of the injuries more commonly produced by car and other vehicle crashes.

Proving Fault for a Car Accident in Easton, PA

In order to recover payment in a car accident lawsuit, you must be able to prove that your crash happened because of another party’s careless conduct. There are several different types of evidence that may be presented to establish fault. For instance, any of the following may be utilized by our car accident attorneys:

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitness accounts play a crucial role in establishing fault for a car accident. Statements from individuals who witnessed the incident can provide valuable perspectives on how the collision occurred. Their observations may include details such as the sequence of events, the behavior of involved drivers, and other relevant factors that can help determine liability.

Traffic Surveillance Footage

Traffic surveillance footage is a powerful form of evidence in car accident cases. Cameras installed at intersections, traffic signals, or along roadways can capture the incident from different angles, offering a visual record of the events leading up to the collision. Furthermore, recordings from vehicles’ dashboard cameras may be very useful. This footage is often objective and can provide a clear representation of the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Accident Reconstruction Reports

Accident reconstruction reports are compiled by experts who analyze various factors, including skid marks, vehicle damage, and the accident scene. Using this information, they reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the collision. These reports can provide a detailed understanding of how the accident occurred and help establish fault based on scientific analysis.

Photographic Evidence

Photographic evidence, such as pictures taken at the accident scene, can be influential in proving fault. Photos documenting vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and other relevant details can provide visual support for the events leading up to the collision. Photographs serve as tangible evidence that can be presented in court to support a party’s claim.

Vehicle Maintenance Records

In some cases, vehicle maintenance records can be used as evidence to establish fault. Poorly maintained vehicles, with issues such as faulty brakes or worn-out tires, may contribute to accidents. Documentation of regular maintenance or lack thereof can be crucial in determining if a mechanical failure played a role in the collision.

Medical Records

Medical records can be relevant in cases where injuries are sustained during a car accident. They can help establish the severity of injuries and the necessary medical treatment, linking them to the collision. Medical records may also provide insights into the impact of the accident on an individual’s well-being, influencing the determination of fault.

Communication Records

Communication records, such as phone records or text message transcripts, can be used to establish distractions or negligence on the part of a driver. If it is found that a driver was using their phone at the time of the accident, it can be a critical piece of evidence in proving fault.

Weather and Road Condition Reports

Weather and road condition reports can be significant in cases where environmental factors contribute to an accident. Slippery roads, poor visibility, or other weather-related issues may be documented, helping to determine if such conditions played a role in the collision. These reports provide context for understanding the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Common Areas Where Car Accidents Happen in Easton, PA

Car accidents can occur on nearly any public road. Still, there are certain areas where collisions are more likely to occur. Being aware of these potentially dangerous areas can help you stay safe behind the wheel.

Intersections

Intersections are frequent sites for car accidents due to the convergence of multiple vehicles with differing right-of-way obligations. Collisions at intersections often result from drivers failing to yield, running red lights, or making improper turns. The complexity of traffic flow at intersections increases the likelihood of accidents, making them a common area of concern.

Highways and Freeways

Highways and freeways witness a significant number of car accidents, often because of high speeds and heavy traffic volumes. Factors such as lane changes, merging, and abrupt stops contribute to the risk of collisions on these fast-paced roadways. Accidents on highways can result in severe consequences due to the high speeds involved.

Parking Lots

Parking lots may seem like low-speed environments, but they are prone to fender-benders and other types of accidents. Distracted driving, backing out of parking spaces without proper caution, and crowded parking lots can lead to collisions. The close proximity of vehicles in parking lots increases the likelihood of minor accidents and dents.

Construction Zones

Construction zones present unique challenges for drivers, with narrowed lanes, changes in traffic patterns, and reduced speeds. The potential for accidents in construction zones is heightened because of the need for drivers to navigate unfamiliar or altered road conditions. Construction-related activities and equipment also contribute to the risk of collisions.

Railroad Crossings

Accidents can occur at railroad crossings when drivers fail to obey warning signals or attempt to cross when a train is approaching. Collisions with trains are often severe, emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety measures at railroad crossings. Drivers must exercise caution and obey traffic signals to prevent accidents in these areas.

Rely on our Personal Injury Litigation Experience

For more than three decades, the experienced personal injury lawyers of The Reiff Law Firm have fought aggressively and strategically for drivers who have been injured due to another’s carelessness, recklessness, or negligence. We work to obtain compensation for your medical costs, lost wages and earnings, pain & suffering and other damages. To schedule a free and confidential consultation call our firm at (215) 709-6940.